Well,
I just dound out I am moving in 2 weeks from sunny south Florida to PA. I know this has been talked about at different times, but now that your Northerners have gone through a full winter, what advise do you have to someone with a MINI. Will I need new tires, how is it going to handle in the hills in PA. I don't know if there are a lot of hills near Carlisle, but after driving form Jersey to Ohio many times while younger across 80, I know that there are a lot of mountains. And here in So. Florida the only hills we have are off ramps to highways.
I know MINIs use BMW oil, but is there a difference between the oil they would use here vs. the oil in the cold? I know there is a differance with normal oil.
Finally, should I be nervous that the closest dealership is 2 hours away?

Thanks for you help,
Arne

 

Arnster...welcome north. You will be about 50 miles north of my location and their should be no difference. The MINI loves mountains. This ain't Siberia, mate...

 

get a snow shovel

 

wow .. I feel your pain. I don't think I've ever driven in snow, really

 

Well, first off, you have about 6 months to get prepared for winter. Despite the nasty rumors from down south, it IS spring in the northeast and there's no need to be thinking about snowtires, oil viscosity, block heaters, or any of that other cold weather stuff for a while. Come on up, you'll be fine.

Until winter. I might suggest a few winter driving lessons from an experienced neighbor when you get up here. If you really have not driven in the snow before. There are few things more scary to us yankees than a southern driver on a snow-covered road (particularly when they're at the wheel of an SUV...so at least on that accord you'll be one leg up).

 

You do know it's cold up there right?

 

>>You do know it's cold up there right?

it's beautiful out today, sun is shinning and 57 degrees
windows down and sunroof open

 

One thing you will notice. The back roads in PA are far more challenging and MINI friendly (fun) than FLA IMHO. :smile:

(I love FLA, so don't flame me!)

Enjoy the PA experience!

 

Just FYI, 57 degrees is COLD to us down here. It's 77 today in North Florida and the sun is out and bright.

 

>>Just FYI, 57 degrees is COLD to us down here. It's 77 today in North Florida and the sun is out and bright.

 

>>>>You do know it's cold up there right?
>>
>>it's beautiful out today, sun is shinning and 57 degrees
>>windows down and sunroof open


It is almost 90 here! I will have to get used to saying "It's beautiful today, its 57!"

I actually lived in Jersey until 18 and went home in Christmas break from school, so I have driven in snow lots. I am more worried about my car! She has never seen the cold.
I have lived in Florida for 10 years now, so it is going to be a shock
I have a Pug who will not go outside when the ground is wet from rain. Can't wait to see her reaction to snow! I might have to train her to use a litter box.



_________________
2002 MC Chili Red/white, premium, sport, bonnet strips

 

While you will find the roads much more to your MINI's liking in PA, lots of twisties and whoop-de-dos. there is one unfortunate annual event around here, WINTER. Call the Tire Rack, and get some Bridgestone Blizzaks or Pirelli Snow tires on another set of wheels for the November-March driving season. Just think of it as an extended Monte Carlo Ralleye.

 

>>Just FYI, 57 degrees is COLD to us down here. It's 77 today in North Florida and the sun is out and bright. :smile:

 

Hey you'll get to actually here your Mini's Black Ice Warning Tone for the first time! It will ding at you when the temp reaches 37 degrees.

Welcome to the North. I will be moving from Philly to Pittsburgh in about 2 1/2 months. I will beep when I pass the Carlisle Exit on the Turnpike

FYI: There is a several large cars shows in Carlsile in the Spring/Summer. You might want to ride a bike during those events because traffic can be god aweful!

Welcome to PA.

 

I live in Lancaster, not too far from Carlisle.

Once I sell my Miata, I'll be getting a MINI. I do have a classic Mini and it is wonderful drive through Amish country on a sunny Saturday morning/afternoon.

I used to live in FL as well. PA will definintely offer you many more thrilling rides.

Brett.

 

why you moving north? :???: